Thankfully, Dallas has several laws that safeguard riders. The three-foot passing law, for example, mandates that cars give bikes at least three feet of space. Bicyclists are entitled to the same rights and obligations as drivers under the law, including obeying traffic regulations. If you are injured while riding a bicycle because a car breaks these laws, you should see a lawyer to pursue the justice you deserve right away.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Crash
Because the Lone Star State has seen a significant rise in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities over the last several years, cyclist safety in Texas is essential.
Moreover, there are a number of important steps to take following a bicycle wreck. First and foremost, you should get in touch with the police right away so they can respond to the scene, get statements, and investigate the site of the accident.
In the event that someone is injured, 911 can also send emergency medical services to assess any immediate injuries before you seek further medical attention. Moreover, involving the police ensures that an impartial person will be there to record the details of the collision.
Documenting the Scene of a Bicycle Crash
If you can, speak with any witnesses and take photos of the area. It might be difficult to recall every detail of the events leading up to the accident and the exact appearance of the scene when things are chaotic.
These images and witnesses serve to complete the picture of what happened and are typically highly beneficial throughout the claims procedure. You need to have as much proof as you can in order to support your claim for medical care if you are injured.
Take detailed photos or videos of the location and get the names and phone numbers of everybody who may have seen all or part of the event. Ask witnesses if they can wait to provide a statement to the police while you collect witness information. Finally, make sure you request that the responding officer include the witnesses’ identities in their report.
Medical Treatment Following a Bike Accident
Lastly, it’s vital that you get medical attention as soon as you can after you’ve suffered injuries in a bicycle accident.
Depending on the severity of your injuries and overall condition, this might include seeing your family doctor or a walk-in urgent care center, or it could require taking an ambulance to the hospital. Bicycle accidents cause noticeable injuries as well as ones that can go unnoticed for a long time without a proper diagnosis.
Helmet technology is always advancing, but bike accidents still often result in concussions and other traumatic brain injuries for victims, leaving them vulnerable for months or years at a time. For this reason and more, you should tell your healthcare practitioner about any health problems or lingering injuries you may be experiencing, even if they appear minor, like soreness in your knee when walking or a headache. Even if your injuries may not seem serious to you right now, you should make sure you see a medical provider to get treatment and document your injuries for a potential legal claim.
Contacting a Lawyer For a Bicycle Wreck
A skilled, experienced attorney team can look into what happened surrounding your crash, assist in getting you to the best medical facilities for your injuries, and aid in initiating the personal injury claim against the driver who was at fault. Furthermore, our team can evaluate any property damage (damage to your bicycle and any other equipment) and file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance for all of your losses, including lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
We could still assist you, even if you believe you shouldered some level of fault for the accident. A modified comparative fault standard applies is Texas, which states that even in cases with joint liability, you might still be entitled to compensation for your losses if your contribution of fault or liability to the collision was less than 50%.
After reviewing the claim we submitted on your behalf, the insurance company will initiate additional discussions and move forward with evaluating your auto claim. You can choose to accept a reasonable settlement offer from the insurance company. If they don’t, however, we can file a claim in court to fight for your rights on your behalf.
Call a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Dallas
Victims involved in bicycle accidents may face significant hardship. These incidents often result in lifelong medical bills and rehabilitation costs. Adding insult to injury, victims often are unable to return to their previous jobs (or cannot work in the same role). Why should a victim and their family bear the financial burden if another driver’s carelessness caused their injury?
Cyclists have the right to share the road with other motorists. However, not everyone has the same attitude about sharing the road with bicycles, and the victims are the ones to pay the price.
Thankfully, our Texas injury accident attorneys at the Rasansky | McKenzie Law have more than three decades of experience helping people move on with their lives after being involved in accidents caused by negligent and reckless drivers. Our staff of qualified, reputable attorneys provides our clients with reliable legal advice, and we will stop at nothing to protect your rights.
We are available as soon as possible to discuss the specifics of your accident and evaluate your legal options. For a free case review, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call our attorneys at 214-617-1816. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Dallas are here to help you and yours learn more about your legal rights at this stressful time.